Fluid-Powered Bath Brush

ABSTRACT

A fluid-powered bath brush that uses the kinetic energy of moving water to operate skin-cleaning attachments. In one embodiment, the bath brush comprises a brush head member having at least one brush head housing, a water wheel, a first drive gear, a second drive gear and a brush element rotatably mounted thereon, an adaptor with an outlet side adapted to be connected to a showerhead and an inlet side adapted to be connected to a first fluid-dispensing means that carries water to the showerhead and contains a diverter which diverts the flow of water from the first fluid-dispensing means to the showerhead to the flow of water from the first fluid-dispensing means to the brush head member and a flexible second fluid-dispensing means containing at least two tubes for carrying water connecting the brush head member and the adaptor.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates generally to bath accessories and morespecifically to a fluid-powered bath brush that is integrated into theshowerhead allowing the showerhead of a typical shower enclosure tocontinue to operate while the water powered bath brush is being used.

2. Background

Numerous bath accessories have been provided in prior art that areadapted to be utilized by persons when using a bathtub or shower forwashing the body. While these units may be suitable for the particularpurpose that they address, they are not suitable for the purpose of thepresent invention as heretofore described. There exists a need for bathbrushes that can be used in conjunction with existing bathroom hardware.Additionally, there exists a need to provide a fluid-powered bath brushthat utilizes water pressure from the showerhead in a safe manner. Therealso exists a need to provide a fluid-powered bath brush that allows theshowerhead to continue to operate when the bath brush is in use. Therealso exists the need to provide a plurality of drive methods for thebath brush. There also exists the need to provide a bath brush that issimple and easy to use, economical in cost to manufacture and operatesin a rotary or oscillating motion while providing other benefits andadvantages mentioned herein.

SUMMARY

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a fluid-poweredbath brush that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.

Another object is to provide a fluid-powered bath brush that utilizeswater pressure from a flexible hose assembly connected to a divertervalve at the showerhead, so as to drive a rotary or oscillating brush ina safe manner.

An additional object is to provide a fluid-powered bath brush thatallows the showerhead to continue to operate when the bath brush is inuse by having a dual hose assembly attached such that one hose deliverswater to the brush and the other hose returns water from the bath brushto the showerhead.

A still further object is to provide a plurality of drive methods forthe brush. Method one is to use magnetic coupling between the brush andthe internal driven gear to eliminate water that is powering the bathbrush and prevent it from contaminating the brush. Method two is adirect drive between the brush and the internal driven gear whereinminor amounts of water powering the brush are allowed to escape at thebrush.

A still further object is to construct the bath brush such that it canoperate the brush in a rotary or oscillating motion.

A still further object is to provide a fluid-powered bath brush in whichthe brush is removable and replaceable so as to allow for the same orother types of body-cleaning devices to be attached.

A further object is to provide a fluid-powered bath brush that is simpleand easy to use.

A still further object is to provide a fluid-powered bath brush that iseconomical in cost to manufacture.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a fluid-powered bath brushis provided. The bath brush comprises a brush head member having atleast one brush head housing, a water wheel, a first drive gear, asecond drive gear and a brush element rotatably mounted thereon, anadaptor with an outlet side adapted to be connected to a showerhead andan inlet side adapted to be connected to a first fluid-dispensing meansthat carries water to the showerhead and contains a diverter thatdiverts the flow of water from the first fluid-dispensing means to theshowerhead to the flow of water from the first fluid-dispensing means tothe brush head member and a flexible second fluid-dispensing meanscontaining at least two tubes for carrying water connecting the brushhead member and the adaptor.

In one aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thefirst drive gear of the bath brush has a diameter that is less than thesecond drive gear of the bath brush and the first drive gear is operablyconnected to the water wheel and in meshing engagement with the secondgear.

In another aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,the amount of space between the water wheel and brush head housing isadapted to provide a reduced clearance area at the sides and peripheryof the brush head housing where water first enters the brush headhousing to significantly restrict the flow of water around the waterwheel.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the brush head housing has a curved or contoured area toallow a thumb and forefinger to grasp the brush and remove it.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the flexible second fluid-dispensing means is made ofplastic.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the second drive gear is in meshing engagement with thebrush element.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the adapter of the bath brush allows water to flow to boththe showerhead and the bath brush at the same time.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the flexible second fluid-dispensing means is connected orbonded together to create a Siamese hose.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the flexible second fluid-dispensing means is a plastic tubewithin another larger plastic tube.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the bath brush further comprises a valve or switch thatallows water either to flow to the brush head member or to bypass thebrush head member and return to the showerhead.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the brush element includes a hex-shaped shaft that is inmeshing engagement with the second drive gear.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a fluid-powered bathbrush is provided, containing a brush element that provides anoscillating motion. The bath brush comprises a brush head member havingat least one brush head housing, water wheel containing a pivot hole, alink arm, a drive plate and a brush element rotatably mounted on thebrush head member, an adaptor with an outlet side adapted to beconnected to a showerhead and an inlet side adapted to be connected to afirst fluid-dispensing means that carries water to the showerhead andcontaining a diverter which diverts the flow of water from the firstfluid-dispensing means to the showerhead to the flow of water from thefirst fluid-dispensing means to the brush head member and a flexiblesecond fluid-dispensing means containing at least two tubes for carryingwater connecting the brush head member and the adaptor.

In one aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thelink arm is operably connected to the pivot hole of the water wheel andoperably connected to the drive plate which is in meshing engagementwith the brush element.

In another aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,the amount of space between the water wheel and brush head housing isadapted to provide a reduced clearance area at the sides and peripheryof the brush head housing where water first enters the brush headhousing to significantly restrict the flow of water around the waterwheel.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the water wheel includes cup-shaped portions at theperiphery of the water wheel.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the cup-shaped portions of the water wheel are propelled bythe water from the flexible second fluid dispensing means, which causesthe brush element to oscillate.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a fluid-poweredbath brush is provided, containing a brush element that provides anoscillating motion. The bath brush comprises a brush head member havingat least a brush head housing having an internal cavity with a reducedclearance area, a water wheel, a first drive gear, a second drive gearand a brush element rotatably mounted thereon, an adaptor with an outletside adapted to be connected to a showerhead and an inlet side adaptedto be connected to a first fluid-dispensing means that carries water tothe showerhead and contains a diverter that diverts the flow of waterfrom the first fluid-dispensing means to the showerhead to the flow ofwater from the first fluid-dispensing means to the brush head member anda second fluid-dispensing means containing at least two tubes forcarrying water connecting the brush head member and the adaptor.

In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the reduced clearance of the brush head housingsignificantly reduces the amount of space between the water wheel andbrush head housing at the sides and periphery of the brush head housingwhere water from the second fluid-dispensing means first enters thebrush head housing to significantly restrict the flow of water aroundthe water wheel.

Further objects and benefits can be appreciated by one of ordinary skillhaving reviewed the present disclosure in combination with theaccompanying drawings.

DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features and objects of the present disclosure willbecome more apparent with reference to the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like referencenumerals denote like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the bath brush in accordance with at leastone embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the bath brush in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the bath brush in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the present disclosure showing thevarious components of the brush head in relation to each other.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the bath brush head internal cavity andseparate brush element of at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of at least one embodiment of the bath brushof the present disclosure showing the components of the bath brush inrelation to each other.

FIG. 6 is a side view of at least one embodiment of the bath brush ofthe present disclosure showing the components of the bath brush inrelation to each other.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the brush element, first drive gear, waterwheel, second drive gear and a portion of the hex-shaped shaft of thebrush element.

FIG. 8 is a side view of at least one embodiment of the bath brush ofthe present disclosure and showing specific components of the bathbrush.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of at least one embodiment of the bath brushof the present disclosure and showing specific internal components ofthe bath brush.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of at least one embodiment of the bath brushof the present disclosure and showing specific components of the bathbrush.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, abath brush 10 is provided, having an adapter 1 with an inlet 1A. Theinlet 1A is typically for the pipe or other vehicle that carries water(not shown) to which the showerhead is typically attached. The outletside 1B is where the showerhead attaches, allowing the showerhead andbath brush 10 to work together seamlessly without the loss of any water.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, theshowerhead adapter 1 blocks off the flow of water to the showerhead anddiverts the flow to the bath brush 10. Water to the bath brush 10 leavesthe adapter through the outlet port 1C. Water from the bath brush 10returns to the inlet 1D and then to the showerhead.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thedual hose 2 is a flexible to semi-flexible tube to carry water (e.g.,plastic tubing) that connects the bath brush 10 and the showerheadadapter. In another aspect of at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the hose 2 is connected or bonded together to create aSiamese hose. In another aspect of at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the hose 2 is a tube within another tube.

The bath brush 10 contains mechanical components that make the brush 5rotate. In another aspect of at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the brush also contains an on-off valve or switch 4, whichcontrols water flow to the bath brush 10. In the “on” position, waterflows to the water wheel mechanism and causes the brush element 5 torotate, then the water is returned to the showerhead. In the “off”position, the water is allowed to bypass the brush element 5 mechanismand return directly to the showerhead.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thehousing of the bath brush 10 has a curved or contoured area 37 on eachside of the brush area to allow a thumb and forefinger to grasp thebrush and remove it. This allows for the placement of other heads suchas a stiffer brush, pumice stone abrasive, or other attachments to beused with the bath brush 10. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the brushhousing 30 contains the passages for water to flow to and from the bathbrush, the cavity in which the water wheel 32 and the first drive gear33 reside, the on-off valve or switch 4 and the attachment area for theupper housing 31.

In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, theupper housing 31 contains the second driven gear 34 with the pivot shaftbroached to a hex shape 35 into which the brush head shaft 51 slides.

FIG. 4 illustrates the internal cavities of the brush housing 30 and theupper housing 31. In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, there is a reduced clearance area 36 where the water firstenters the bath brush cavity. In order to achieve a highly efficient andeffective water wheel, the clearance area at the sides and peripherymust be as tight as possible.

Prior art attempts to achieve this involved making all of the cavityarea as tight as possible. Unfortunately, the problem with that approachwas that the tolerances required for manufacture made it difficult toimpossible to meet for the entire cavity space and required significanttime and expense. Additionally, the bath brush 10 material would expandwith heat, causing components to rub together, causing unwanted wear andmalfunction. Alternatively, the material of the brush head 10 wouldshrink with cold water allowing the mechanism to stop due to too muchclearance.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, in another aspect of at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, this problem has been mitigated ifnot eliminated by creating a close tolerance at the entrance area ofwater into the cavity. The cup-shaped areas 60 on the diameter of thewater wheel 32 are only effective where the water from the nozzle 41 andthe reduced area 36 contacts the cups. Once the cup has cleared thewater inlet area, it no longer provides energy to the water wheel 32 andthe close tolerance is no longer needed.

In another aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,the brush 5 is connected to the drive gear 35 with a hex-shaped shaft51. This allows the brush 5 to be removed or inserted into the drivengear.

As shown in FIG. 4, in another aspect of at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the far end of the shaft 51 has a groove cut into itto hold an O-ring 52. Among other things, the O-ring provides frictionbetween the shaft and the driven gear so the brush will not fall out.

FIGS. 5 though 7 show the assembled position of the components that areshown in FIG. 3. The water inlet hose side 1C of the brush has, justbefore it enters the cavity, a nozzle 41 that causes the flow rate ofthe water to increase rapidly. This increased flow impinges on the cupsof the water wheel causing the water wheel to spin.

As shown and demonstrated in FIGS. 1 through 7, the bath brush 10contains the mechanical components that make the brush element 5 rotate.

FIGS. 8 through 10 show an embodiment of the present disclosure with thedrive components designed to provide an oscillating motion to the brushinstead of the circular motion, as previously described. In thisembodiment, the water wheel 32 does not have a first drive gear 33. Inits place is a pivot hole 62 into which a link arm 54 is inserted. Thesecond driven gear 34 is replaced with a drive plate 53 to which theother end of the link arm 54 is attached in a pivot hole 63. Therotating water wheel 32 continues to rotate causing a back and forthmotion to the bath brush 10. By having a brush element 5 that only movesin a back and forth motion, among other things, it can be used in thehair and scalp area without tangling the user's hair. The adapter 1 hasan inlet 1A for the pipe to which the showerhead is normally attached.The outlet side 1B is where the showerhead attaches.

It should be appreciated that the present disclosure provides numerousbenefits and advantages. For example and not by way of limitation, oneof the benefits provided by the bath brush of the present disclosure isthat it returns the water that powered the brush back to the showerheadwhile still providing other various benefits and advantages discussedherein.

A bath brush typically releases the water that powered it around thebrush head or out a port. The problem with this method is twofold.First, the user has to be careful of where the discharge water is going.Second the water discharging around the brush causes whatever bathingagent (e.g., soap or lotion) that is on the brush to be washed off. Thebath brush disclosed herein provides very little water discharge at thebrush head. Among other things, the small amount of discharged wateracts as a lubricant for the shaft driving the brush and the bathingagents remain on the brush.

The bath brush of the present disclosure allows the removing andreplacing of the brush; this also allows the use of other types of heads(e.g., a pumice stone head to remove calluses, a massaging brush anddifferent brushes with various bristle lengths, stiffness, and sizessuch as a small soft brush for facial cleaning).

The bath brushes of the present disclosure have various medical benefitsand applications. For example and not by way of limitation, the bathbrush could be used by those with mobility problems (e.g., shoulderproblems) and those who cannot reach their backs to wash when taking ashower. The present invention can also be used in hospitals, nursinghomes and assisted care situations where a staff person needs to helpbathe a patient or client. With the bath brush of the presentdisclosure, the patient gets cleaner in less time, which is a benefit toboth the patient and the staff.

It should be appreciated that the bath brushes of the present disclosureprovide the added advantage that no electrical energy is used or wastedas it is run solely on water pressure. Furthermore, in variousembodiments of the present disclosure, no water is wasted with the bathbrushes of the present disclosure. The water used is cycled back throughthe showerhead and flows out through it as the user continues to bathemaking it an environmentally friendly product that saves money overother bath brush designs. It is also safe because it is powered only bywater thereby eliminating the danger of electrical shock to the user.

While the apparatus and method have been described in terms of what arepresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments,it is to be understood that the disclosure need not be limited to thedisclosed embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications andsimilar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims,the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so asto encompass all such modifications and similar structures. The presentdisclosure includes any and all embodiments of the following claims.

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 10. A fluid-poweredbath brush containing a brush element that provides an oscillatingmotion, the brush comprising: a) a brush head member having at least onebrush head housing, water wheel containing a pivot hole, a link arm, adrive plate and a brush element rotatably mounted thereon; b) an adaptorwith an outlet side adapted to be connected to a showerhead and an inletside adapted to be connected to a first fluid-dispensing means thatcarries water to the showerhead and containing a diverter, which divertsthe flow of water from the first fluid-dispensing means to theshowerhead to the flow of water from the first fluid-dispensing means tothe brush head member; and c) a flexible second fluid-dispensing meanscontaining at least two tubes for carrying water connecting the brushhead member and the adaptor; wherein the link arm is operably connectedto the pivot hole of the water wheel and operably connected to the driveplate which is in meshing engagement with the brush element; wherein theamount of space between the water wheel and brush head housing isadapted to provide a reduced clearance area at the sides and peripheryof the brush head housing where water first enters the brush headhousing to significantly restrict the flow of water around the waterwheel.
 11. The bath brush of claim 10, wherein the brush head housinghas a curved or contoured area to allow a thumb and forefinger to graspthe brush and remove it.
 12. The bath brush of claim 10, wherein theflexible second fluid-dispensing means is made of plastic.
 13. The bathbrush of claim 10, wherein the adapter of the bath brush allows water toflow to both the showerhead and the bath brush at the same time.
 14. Thebath brush of claim 10, wherein the flexible second fluid dispensingmeans is connected or bonded together to create a Siamese hose.
 15. Thebath brush of claim 10, wherein the flexible second fluid-dispensingmeans is a plastic tube within another larger plastic tube.
 16. The bathbrush of claim 10, further comprising a valve or switch that allowswater either to flow to the brush head member or to bypass the brushhead member and return to the showerhead.
 17. The bath brush of claim10, wherein the brush element includes a hex-shaped shaft that is inmeshing engagement with the drive plate.
 18. The bath brush of claim 10,wherein the water wheel includes cup-shaped portions at the periphery ofwater wheel.
 19. The bath brush of claim 18, wherein the cup-shapedportions of the water wheel are propelled by the water from the flexiblesecond fluid-dispensing means, which causes the brush element tooscillate.
 20. (canceled)